Sir David Amess MP: Priti Patel says questions are being asked about security of MPs

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she would provide an update “in due course” on questions around the safety of MPs following the death of Sir David Amess.

She said on Twitter: “Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country’s elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends.”

Ms Patel added: “I am devastated we have lost Sir David Amess. David was not only a fellow Essex MP, but a kind and loyal friend.

“David served the people of Southend with endless passion, energy and integrity. That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David Amess was “one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics”.

Speaking on Friday evening, Mr Johnson said: “I think all our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom.

“And the reason I think people are so shocked and saddened is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics, and he also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable, whether the people who are suffering from endometriosis, passing laws to end cruelty to animals, or doing a huge amount to reduce the fuel poverty suffered by people up and down the country.

“David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future.

“And we’ve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague, and our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children, and his family.”